Games Where the Black Protagonist Is the Chosen One (No Twist)

The ‘Chosen One’ is a common theme in games – a single hero is destined to save the world or fulfill a prophecy. These characters usually have special powers or face unique challenges that set them apart. While this idea has been used a lot, it’s now allowing for more diverse stories and different perspectives on what it means to be a hero. This list showcases games where Black characters are the central heroes, leading their own incredible adventures.

‘Forspoken’ (2023)

Okay, so I’m playing this new action RPG, and it’s pretty cool. You play as Frey, a girl from New York who suddenly gets pulled into this amazing but broken world called Athia. She finds this talking bracelet, Cuff, and learns she’s the only one who can fight this weird, destructive force called the Break. Apparently, it’s wiped out most of the world, but Frey is immune and can actually use magic to take on these powerful, boss-like characters called Tantas who are basically ruling with an iron fist. So, she’s basically Athia’s last hope, but she’s also trying to figure out how to get back home. It’s a pretty epic story so far!

‘Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales’ (2020)

Developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony, this game follows Miles Morales as he steps into the role of Spider-Man, inheriting powers from his mentor, Peter Parker. When a conflict erupts in Harlem between a powerful criminal group and a corrupt energy company, Miles becomes the city’s only hope. He learns to control his own special powers – bio-electric attacks and camouflage – to protect his community and prove himself as a true Spider-Man.

‘Deathloop’ (2021)

Developed by Arkane Lyon and published by Bethesda Softworks, this first-person shooter puts you in the role of Colt Vahn. He’s trapped on Blackreef Island in a time loop that restarts every day. Unlike everyone else, Colt remembers each loop and is determined to break free by eliminating eight important targets. He has special powers that let him outmaneuver opponents, including a rival assassin named Julianna. The story centers around Colt as the key to ending the endless cycle on Blackreef.

‘Assassin’s Creed Origins’ (2017)

I recently dove into this huge open-world game developed by Ubisoft Montreal, and it’s awesome. You play as Bayek, a Medjay – basically a protector – in ancient Egypt. At first, he’s driven by revenge, but his story quickly becomes about building something bigger: the Hidden Ones. They’re like the very first Assassins, and Bayek is the guy who started it all! He’s the one who laid down the core beliefs of the Assassin’s Creed, fighting for freedom against those who want to control everything. It’s cool knowing his actions kick off the whole Assassin versus Templar conflict that plays out in all the other games.

‘Shadow Man’ (1999)

Acclaim Studios Teesside created this intense action-adventure game, released by Acclaim Entertainment. Players take on the role of Mike LeRoi, a taxi driver who transforms into the Shadow Man – a voodoo warrior dedicated to defending the living world from the dangers of Deadside. He’s empowered by the Mask of Shadows, embedded in his ribs, which allows him to journey between worlds and harness the power of spirits. LeRoi is the prophesied protector, responsible for stopping a demonic serial killer named Legion and preventing the apocalypse. He’s uniquely burdened with this supernatural task – a responsibility no one else can bear.

‘Prototype 2’ (2012)

This open-world action game, developed by Radical Entertainment and published by Activision, puts you in the role of Sergeant James Heller. Returning home from service, Heller discovers his family has been killed and believes Alex Mercer, the hero of the previous game, is responsible for the viral outbreak. Heller himself becomes infected, but his unique DNA lets him control the virus and develop incredible shapeshifting abilities. He’s now the only one who can track down Mercer and stop the infection from spreading across New York Zero, essentially becoming an evolved solution to the chaos Mercer caused.

‘Marlow Briggs and the Mask of Death’ (2013)

ZootFly created the action-packed adventure game, which was published by 505 Games. The story follows Marlow Briggs, a firefighter who tragically dies protecting his girlfriend from a powerful, old-fashioned villain. He’s brought back to life by a Mayan spirit through a magical mask, becoming the ‘Sacred Warrior’ tasked with defeating his foes. Marlow uses the mask’s power to control the elements and fight with enchanted weapons against a private army. The game leans into the classic ‘chosen one’ storyline, delivering a fast-paced, over-the-top experience inspired by pulp action adventures.

‘Dandara’ (2018)

I recently played this incredible 2D platformer created by Long Hat House and published by Raw Fury, and I was blown away! It takes place in this crumbling world called Salt, where everything is falling apart and people are really suffering. You play as Dandara, who’s basically a chosen one – she wakes up with the power to bring things back into balance and free her people. What’s really cool is how she moves – she doesn’t walk or jump normally, she leaps from wall to wall and ceiling to ceiling, defying gravity! It’s a little disorienting at first, but it’s amazing. The story is inspired by a real historical figure, Dandara of the Palmares, but the game turns her into this legendary, almost mythical hero. It’s a really powerful and unique experience.

‘Remember Me’ (2013)

Developed by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Capcom, this action game is set in a cyberpunk version of Paris. Players control Nilin, a skilled operative who can change and manipulate people’s memories. The game begins with Nilin having lost her own memories, but she quickly discovers she’s vital to taking down a powerful and controlling company called Memorize. Her unique ability is the only way to reveal the truth and liberate people from Sensen, a technology that controls perceptions. In a world obsessed with recording and digitizing life, Nilin is the one person who can make a difference.

‘Dishonored: Death of the Outsider’ (2017)

I’m so excited about this new game! It’s a standalone expansion developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda. You play as Billie Lurk, who teams up with her former mentor, Daud, on this crazy mission to kill the Outsider – basically a god! Billie has all these cool artifacts and powers that let her actually fight a deity who’s been around for centuries. It’s awesome because Billie isn’t just involved in big changes, she causes them – she gets to decide the fate of the source of all magic! The whole thing is a really focused story about Billie being the one chosen to take down a god.

‘Half-Life: Alyx’ (2020)

Valve created and released this new virtual reality game set in the popular sci-fi series. Players take on the role of Alyx Vance, who battles the alien Combine that have taken over Earth – events that happen before the second game in the series. Alyx becomes a vital part of the human resistance by finding a powerful, mysterious weapon connected to the enigmatic G-Man. Her actions show she’s an incredibly important figure, even catching the attention of powerful, otherworldly forces. The story highlights her significance and hints that she’s destined for something even bigger than her father imagined.

‘Tales of Kenzera: Zau’ (2024)

Surgent Studios created the action-adventure game Kenzera: Black Moon in partnership with Electronic Arts. The game follows Zau, a young shaman who makes a deal with the God of Death to resurrect his father. Using the powers of the Sun and Moon, Zau explores the stunning but dangerous world of Kenzera. He’s the only one who can pacify the troubled spirits within it. Throughout his journey, Zau will prove himself as a skilled healer and a powerful spiritual leader, ultimately striving to restore peace to his homeland.

‘Broken Age’ (2014)

This point-and-click adventure game, created by Double Fine Productions, tells two stories at once. One follows Vella Tartine, a young woman chosen to be sacrificed to a monster named Mog Chothra. Instead of accepting her fate, Vella fights back, determined to save her village and stop the cycle of sacrifices. By challenging tradition, she discovers the surprising technological origins of the monsters and ultimately becomes the hero who saves everyone.

‘Severed’ (2016)

DrinkBox Studios created a unique dungeon crawler where you control the action with simple touches. You play as Sasha, a skilled warrior with one arm, who finds herself in a strange world after waking up to discover her family is missing. She teams up with a magical, living sword that lets her defeat enemies by cutting off their limbs and absorbing their abilities. Sasha’s determined to brave a terrifying realm and rescue her parents and brother, becoming the sole beacon of hope in a dark and twisted universe. It’s a journey she must undertake alone.

‘Afro Samurai’ (2009)

This action game, created by Namco Bandai Games, is inspired by a popular manga and anime. Players take on the role of Afro, a powerful warrior with the Number 2 headband, who is determined to avenge himself against the owner of the coveted Number 1 headband. In this world, only the Number 2 can challenge the seemingly invincible Number 1. Afro must battle through countless enemies and deadly assassins to achieve his goal, walking a lonely and violent path to fulfill his destiny.

Tell us which of these heroic characters resonated with you the most in the comments.

2025-12-17 10:16